MSC Lirica: 12-Night Cruise from Ancona - October 23, 2026

You'll have 11 hours hours to explore Venice, Italy, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. St. Mark's Basilica dazzles with mosaics, the Doge's Palace evokes medieval grandeur, and countless museums showcase Venetian masterpieces.

The MSC Lirica is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Katakolon (Olympia), Greece are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Visiting ancient Olympia is the highlight for most travelers.

Your ship arrives in Heraklion, Crete, Greece at 10:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Knossos is the main reason many travelers come to Heraklion and it lives up to expectations.

You'll have 9 hours hours to explore Rhodes, Greece, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. The promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants, perfect for a leisurely lunch or a drink with a view of the shimmering Aegean Sea.

The MSC Lirica is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Limassol, Cyprus are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Wander the narrow streets of Limassol's old town to discover traditional architecture, local markets, and small cafés.

Your ship arrives in Port Said (Cairo), Egypt at 7:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. The Port Said Military Museum offers insights into the city's role in conflicts around the Suez Canal.

With 14 hours hours in Alexandria, Egypt - from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM - you have a full day ashore with room to breathe. Go beyond the typical tourist stops: neighborhoods, local dining, and cultural sites that most cruise visitors never reach. Leave time for unstructured wandering. The modern Library of Alexandria is a striking cultural landmark inspired by the ancient world center of learning.

The MSC Lirica is a mid-sized ship, which means excursion options in Split, Croatia are plentiful. Plan your top priorities in advance and you'll generally find services accessible without long waits. Diocletians Palace is not a single building but a living neighborhood at the center of Split.

Your cruise ends in Venice, Italy, where the MSC Lirica is scheduled to dock at 8:00 AM. On a smaller ship, the disembarkation process moves quickly - most passengers are off within one to two hours. If you're flying out, book your flight at least four hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. St. Mark's Basilica dazzles with mosaics, the Doge's Palace evokes medieval grandeur, and countless museums showcase Venetian masterpieces.